Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Fenwick stood frozen , struggling to get a word in .

Every time he opened his mouth , his voice died as he watched Rowena continue her bizarre

actions

He couldn’t believe his eyes .

“ Is it really Rowen he muttered , feeling utterly lost .

His mind was spinning , and the only thing he was sure of was that the glass of milk had hern handed to him by Elysia

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts , Fenwick tried to dismiss the growing sense of unease .

“ Rowena’s just spoiled , ” he said hastily .

“It’s normal she doesn’t want another sibling .

And as for cutting her hair- ”

He glanced at Tonn , hoping for agreement .

To ‘ is normal for Little girls to mess with each other’s hair ? Riglu , Torin ? “

Torin didn’t reply , only giving Ferrick a disapproving look

Flustered , Fenwick added , “ I mean if it’s soch a big deal , Elysia can cut Rowena’s hair hack , right ? ”

On the screen .

Elysia seemed nervous .

She grabbed Rowena’s hand to stop her from fiddling with her hair .

“ Are you done ! Can we just pour it out already ! ”

Rowena’s grip on the sissors tightened , but then she smiled , a wicked glint in her eyes .

“ You know what ? I’ve changed my mind .

How about you drink it instead ! ”

“ What ? ” Elysia’s voice wavered panic rising in her chest .

You can’t just =

“Are you going to drink it or not Rowena’s tone was smug , daring .

“ If you don’t , I take it straight to Dad .

After he drinks it , I’ll tell him you poisoned it .

“ And don’t fo

forget , there are plenty of witnesses who saw us together , all the household staff ”

Elysia’s face paled as Rowena’s words sank in She’d never encountered anyone so malicious before .

The physical abuse she’d endured at the hands of the kidnappers seemed mild in comparison to Rowena’s cruelty .

Her whole hady trembled with rage , but she bit down her anger .

“ You can’t hurt Dad ! ” she spar , her voice shaking .

Desperately .

Elysia snatched the glass from Rowenn’s hand and bolted .

She thought she’d make it to the bathroom and dump the milk, but she callided with Penwick , who had just come down the stairs in his school uniform .

“Watch where you’re going ! ” Fenwick snapped , his face twisted in disgust as Elysia mambled back .

Elysia narrowly avoided spilling the milk on his uniform

“ What do you think the living mom’s your personal barnyard ! No wonder – country bumpkins don’t have any manners Fenwick scoffed .

Elysia’s face turned crimson .

She wanted to explain but Fenwick cut her off , wrinkling his nose .

“ Oh my gosh , how long has it been since you last showered !

“ You managed to wash off so much grime in just one night , and that awful smell secras to be gone tou ?

He meant to say she looked cleaner , but his spiteful words only tore at Elysia’s already fragile price .

‘ He despises me , she thought bitterly .

Just because I grew up in the countryside , he thinks I’m filly .

But it wasn’t my choice !

I never asked to grow up apart from my brother – to wake at dawn to gather herbs , to scrub clothes for everyone , to sleep in the stables .

.

Her eyes filled with longing as she looked at Fenwick’s uniform , I wish I could go to school like him , leam new things , make friends …

“ Why why do you blame me for everything ! ” Elysia asked , her voice breaking .

Fenwick fahered , suddenly aware that the girl standing before him was his own sister , with tears spilling down her cheeks 1 – I didn’t mean it like that .

Look , is that milk for me ! I’m thirsty now!

He reached for the glass , avoiding an apology by changing the subject .

10:50 AM c

Chapter 29

“ No ! Don’t drink it Elysia shouted , covering the top of the glass with her hand .

Just then , Rowena burst into tears and rushed out from her hiding spot .

“ Don’t drink it , Fenwick she waited .

“ Elysia put something in it– something that make you inferisle

“ That’s not true ! ” Elysia protested , her eyes wide with desperation .

“ She’s lying ! Rowena’s the one who put something in inf

This time , Elysia didn’t just stand there and let Rowena twist the truth

She decided to speak up at the exact same time , hoping it would stop the false accusations like the ones from the day before .

But .

.

ed , his voice

“ Elysia shut up ! ” Fenwick roared, his voice booming through the room .

It was so loud that Elysia’s car

Her year – long stay in the silence of the lab made the shout feel like a physical blow , and she almost crumbled .

Trembling , she couldn’t form a coherent sentence

Fenwick’s anger gave way to a ping of guilt as he saw Flyst’s terrified face .

He muttered under his breath , “ Can’t you let Rowena Enisht Now I’m all confused .

What a mess .

Rowena , sensing victory , clung to Fenwick’s ann 1 saw her put something in the milk she insisted .

“ She said it would make sure you never have kidat

“ And when I tried to stop her , she cut me with scissors … it hurts so much ! ” She showed him her hand , a tiny scratch beading with drops of blood .

“ It wasn’t me , it was her she’s the one who drugged you- didn’t even touch the scissors .

“ Elysia shook her head desperately , trying to make it dear that Rowens had made the whole thing up

But her weak , stammering denial was drowned out by Rowena’s dramatic sobs .

“ It’s true ! ” Rowena moaned , clutching her barel as if in pain .

“ Look ! Look at my hand ! It hurts !!

Fenwick was about to move to confort Rowena anxieusly

Elysia grabbed his sleeve , pluding with tear – filled eyes .

Fenwick , please … believe me , I’m telling the truth-

Before she could finish , à cold splash hit her from above .

Fenwick had upended the glass of milk over her head .

“ Elyss , you make me sick , Fenwick’s voice was icy as he walked away to check on Rowena’s injury .

But when he saw the thun scratch on Rowena’s finger , he realized it was just a shallow cut , barely enough to draw blood

Meanwhile , Elysia stood alone , milk dripping from her hair , soaking her clothes

She was drenched , her eyes hollow with exhaustion and hopelessness .

In the audience , there was an uproar

BitterTruth : Wow , somebody calls an ambulance .

If they don’t treat dat cut right away , it might actually heal ! ]

DramaQueen : [ Rowena’s giving a masterclass in victim – blaming .

This is a textbook performance ! ]

RowenaFan No way ! Rowena wouldn’t do something like that .

This has to be staged I

HotTake : [ What a show .

Elysia must’ve hired a whole cau to pull of this sob story .

]

Evidence Seeker .

Why argue ? just ask the guy he was there “ ]

Fenwick , watching the replay , shook his head stubbornly .

“ It’s all lies all of it .

He looked up , his voice hoarse .

“ Torin , you were there too .

You saw it —Elysia did it , didn’t she ? ”

Torin’s face was expressionless as he turned .

“ I saw nothing .

”

SupportRowena Spe it out , Fenwick ! Say Elyssa’s lying ! Why are you staying silent ! I

CynicSister : [ Oh , what’s this ? Is he just going to avoid the truth and keep playing the victim ! ]

FenwickProtector : [ Who’s that jerk next to Fenwick ? He’s so cold

Allknowing Are you seriously asking That’s Torin , Fenwick’s brother

HeartForElysia [ Am I the only one feeling for Hysi ? Her eyes look just like that stray dog I saw once , giving up after getting hit by a c

ar ]